Philippine troops clash with Muslim separatists

Government troops fought a fierce battle with Muslim separatists in the south Philippines. Government radio said the fighting broke out over the weekend near an isolated Mindanao Island coastal town, 650 miles south of Manila. Military officials said 30 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels and five government soldiers were killed. A day earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos had vowed to end a rebel reign of terror.